If you are nearly 40, what do you wear to a party

[toastandmarmiterocks]

I know the answer should be "whatever you like" but I am curious. I turn 40 this year and the 40th party celebrations are happening. I don't feel comfortable showing too much flesh (deffo no backless items) but I want to look glam and partyish. I don't feel massively confident about my body, although I know at a size 10 it's ok. I just have flabby belly from kids & cake and short legs. Anyone have any inspiration? Links would be even better!! Thank you.

[burnishedsilver]

These were the best buy ever. The whole outfit is a look I would often go for if I'm not in the mood for a dress. I'm a 10/12 with a tummy.

m.houseoffraser.co.uk/on/demandware.store/Sites-hof-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=D509250

[willowisp]

Not jeans if you have short legs & not jeans to a party !

A dress is what you need. Have alook at the sale stuff at Reiss - I've just bought myself a couple of dresses. Also coast, Debenhams, house of Fraser.

[trixymalixy]

I have worn a jumpsuit from Mango with heels to several 40ths recently. Don't think the stock it anymore or would link.

[BlueEyedWonder]

I'm 40 next year but went to a few 40ths last year and have more coming up this year. I'm very short and a size 6-8.
Last summer I wore a navy shirt dress from Topshop with gold heels. I dressed it up with a long string of pearls I have.
Just before Christmas I wore a leather skater skirt with black opaques, black suede high heels and a cream fitted victorian style blouse tucked in.
Next month I have a party that is in the daytime. I have my eye on a navy long sleeve dress from Boden that I will wear with opaques and leopard heels.

[iwantgin]

I think dresses are perfect for parties. I don't think you can be too 'over done'.

There are loads in the sales at the moment - and being a size 10 I think you will find plenty in your size.

Not all dresses are skimpy - this is the style I choose for myself. monsoon

[ThreeBecameFour]

It was my 40th on Saturday. I wore a black sequin shift dress (can't do a link at the mo as on phone... ) but it is a £69 Top Shop dress that Beyonce wore..If you Google it, it will come up. I don't look like Beyonce but it worked for me!! I didn't have bare legs or super high heels like her when she wore it either!!!), black tights and shoe boots. I was v impressed with the dress - feels like vevet one way and sequins the other and machine washable. I am a size 12-14 curvy. I got lots of compliments but that could have been because I was the birthday girl ! I felt pretty good in it though and it was a chance to dress up as normally i am in clothes suited to being with a 3.5 and 1.5 year old or work! We had an area booked out in a pub, there was a band on and we had a great time. Happy Birthday!

[toastandmarmiterocks]

Happy Birthday ThreeBecameFour Your dress sounds gorgeous. As birthday girl I think you can wear what you like & go for it.
Some good ideas, I'll stick to the dress route then...

[hellsbellsmelons]

I'm mid 40's and THIS for christmas and new year. Everyone loved it.
As I'm only 5ft 3 it's a bit longer on me.
ASOS is a great place to look for a dress.
THIS could be flattering depending on your height.
I also have something very similar to THIS that I wear to out.
I really want THIS to be in the sale soon as I want it!

[Chandon]

I thinkblack trousers with a glam top (silk or sequins) can look great. mint velvet -style.

Dresses, esp floral, can look matronly if you're not careful.

[Madamecastafiore]

I'm 40 and have got a lovely jumpsuit from the White Co which can be dressed up or down. V flattering and not the normal (which depresses me) black trousers and sparkly top combo which many women in their 40s wear.

[macnab]

I turned 40 a few months ago. Had a girs night out and wore a navy jumpsuit with high heels and nice belt and jewellery to jazz it up. Looked great and felt like I looked good but was comfy too - well until I realised I couldn't go to the toilet unaided

Cant link but got it cheap as chips from New Look. Although I've seen lots of lovely and more "upmarket" jumpsuits lately.

Enjoy your birthday celebrations.

[WhirlyTwirlySnowflakes]

Trousers and a sparkly top is what we wore to parties in the nineties.

Parties these days mean dresses. The only trousers I've seen at any if the 12 40th parties I've been to in the last year were very glam jumpsuits (wonderful if you can carry them off)

With your figure I'd try dresses with flared skirts sitting around the knee or alternatively an elegant wrap dress can be very flattering around the tummy.

If you wear a confident smile as you head to the dance floor you'll look wonderful regardless if your outfit!

it's ok to fake the smile btw

[toastandmarmiterocks]

Thank you, some brilliant suggestions. A jumpsuit!! I'm quite excited by that. I've scoured ASOS, but have my eye on a sequin dress on eBay.

Jumpsuit. Yes. After a couple of drinks I won't give a hoot. Quite excited to get dressed up.

[PrimalLass]

We're going to one in a couple of weeks. I probably would have done skinnies and a sparkly top so better up my game a bit.

[PrimalLass]

We're going to one in a couple of weeks. I probably would have done skinnies and a sparkly top so better up my game a bit.

[PrimalLass]

Oops, sorry.

[WhirlyTwirlySnowflakes]

Primal it's an excellent excuse for some sake shopping!

[WhirlyTwirlySnowflakes]

sale obvs